Anthony Davis Sends Message After NBA Retirement Announcement

Westbrook announced his retirement Wednesday at 37, ending a career that included nine All-Star selections, nine All-NBA honors and the 2017 MVP award. His heartfelt announcement quickly drew more than 1.2 million likes on Instagram and reactions from stars around the league. 

Among those paying tribute was Davis, who spent the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons alongside Westbrook and LeBron James in Los Angeles.

“My dawg!!!! Congrats on the entire journey champ! Legend forever! Yeah 5!!!” Davis wrote in the caption.

The Lakers’ star trio never reached the heights many expected, with injuries and fit issues contributing to a disappointing run.

But Westbrook entered Los Angeles already firmly established as one of his generation’s best. He won two scoring titles and three assists titles, became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for a season and eventually broke Robertson’s career triple-double record (209).

While Westbrook is closing the curtain, Davis is preparing for his first season with the Washington Wizards. Davis averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games with the Dallas Mavericks last season before he was traded to Washington midseason.

Davis was forced to wait for his debut with the Wizards after suffering a ligament damage in his left hand that ended his season prematurely. He has a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 and became eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on Aug. 6.